Marie Tidball MP praises Caribbean Sports Club for fundraising efforts for new pavilion

Marie Tidball, Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge, visited the Caribbean Sports Club in Ecclesfield, touring the fantastic work the Club does to increase inclusion in sports and bring together the local community.

Marie was shown around by Club Chair, Deputy Lord Lieutenant Des Smith, who told the local MP all about the history of the Club and its work as a community hub.

The local MP visited the Club House, which, thanks to members’ fundraising efforts, is going to be completely rebuilt into a redeveloped pavilion over the coming years. This will better enable members of all ages and abilities to participate in a range of sports including cricket, football and netball.

Marie donated a magnolia tree to the Windrush Garden, which has been lovingly planted by club members.

The Club also does a significant amount of school outreach work, as part of the Arches School Sports Partnership. During Marie’s tour, she spoke to Greengate Lane School from High Green, whose pupils were visiting the Club to learn to play hockey.

Marie pledged to work closely with the Club and Greengate Lane School as part of her work in Parliament with Paralympics GB. This work, on the Equal Play Campaign, will ensure that every child has access to sport and PE in school, no matter their disability or special educational needs.

__Marie Tidball MP said: __

“It was fantastic to see first hand what a significant recreational and social hub the Caribbean Sports Club is at the heart of our community. I was so impressed by the beautiful Windrush garden. Thank you so much to all the members who have been fundraising for the redeveloped pavilion too! I can’t wait to visit again when the project is complete.

“It was also fantastic to speak to the children from Greengate Lane School. They asked me some brilliant questions, including what the best parts of my job are, and giving me some fantastic ideas on what they would like to see our government do for young people.

“I was delighted to write to Greengate Lane, and lots of other schools in our constituency, to congratulate them for achieving their Gold and Platinum School Games Mark. So, I'm excited to continue working with them, the Caribbean Sports Club, and the Arches School Sports Partnership, to improve access to sports for local children across our communities.

“Thank you to everyone who showed me around, and to Alan who gave me a beautiful bunch of white roses for South Yorkshire, and red roses too.”

__Des Smith, Club Chair, said: __

“It was an honour to host Dr Marie Tidball MP at our Sports Club. Her beaming smile and enthusiastic support of our activities and plans for the community were truly heartwarming. Seeing the kids bobbing for questions like MPs was a real treat!

“Furthermore, having Marie plant a magnolia in our Windrush Legacy garden was the perfect way to mark her visit and celebrate our heritage. Marie is welcome to visit the Club and Windrush Legacy Garden at any time.”